Postcard campaign launched to ban pump-action shotguns in J&K

Pellet guns have returned to haunt the Mehbooba Mufti government in Jammu and Kashmir.

Amnesty international has launched an online postcard campaign calling for the ban on the pump action shotguns. “It is shameful that the serious concerns raised repeatedly regarding the use of pellet guns have failed to receive sufficient attention from the state government,” said Aakar Patel, executive director, Amnesty International India.

Amnesty International said pellet-firing pump-action shotguns have been responsible for killing, blinding and injuring thousands of people in Kashmir.

“The use of pellet shotguns is inherently inaccurate and indiscriminate. These so called ‘non-lethal’ weapons have killed at least 14 people since July 2016. Thousands more have suffered extensive and debilitating physical and psychological harm. It is unconscionable for authorities to continue using pellet-firing shotguns despite being aware of the damage they cause”, said Patel

Zahoor Wani, Campaigner, Amnesty International India, said through this campaign, they want to send a message to the state government that the people of Kashmir want an immediate end to the use of pellet-firing shotguns. “The voices of the victims and those who stand in solidarity with them must be heard,” he said.